My experience is that the BMW's do last long and go long miles. Everyone I
know in my BMW group has over 100,000 miles on BMW's with no major problems.
I know of many with 200,000 miles, and more than two with 300,000 and
400,000 miles. All 1100 to 1200 engines.
My R1100RT has 125,000 and nothing but fluids, plugs and tires (one
alternator belt). It is by far the best two up ergonomic motorcycle I know
of (for me I guess).
My new GSA is only 20,000 miles, no problems
On the other hand, their are many cases of problems with them, just like any
other bike. I do not think they really have better quality, service wise,
than most other bikes, just that they have better quality construction and
parts. If I had to have an inexpensive bike I would have a DL1000, but I
have ridden one, and it is nowhere the equial of my 12GSA, not even close.
So the trade off is, do you want a less expensive bike, that is not as fun,
comfortable, quality a ride all the time, but may not have any more problems
than a BWM (or less even). Or do you want the bike that works for you 100%
of the time when you are riding.
The BMW is the only bike that works for me two up with luggage, so that is
what I ride. If I was one up, many more makes would come into play.
If it breaks I get it fixed and back in the saddle with a motorcycle that
works for me. I would not compromise on what feels good riding, 100% of the
time, for something I might think is less troublesome, but not as
fulfilling.
If I had your troubles I would probably go to a different make too. Just
like many BMW riders I know, came for makes that didn't work for them, had
lots of troubles.
Their is no make that has not been trouble to someone.
Lots of choices out their, almost all of them are acceptable.
just my $.02
On 9/24/09, biloxipd151 wrote:
>
>
>
> After many years of getting great information from this group, I want to
> share my experience and ask a question.
>
> I have been riding for around 20years. After all the talk from the bmw
> crowd about bullet proof bikes I took the bait. In 2002 I started riding my
> first bmw, an 02 1150. Beautiful bike, awesome abs system,very comfortable,
> but the quality was questionable. The transmission was always jumping gears,
> two clutch failures and numerous little bugs caused me to upgrade my 02 with
> only 24000 to a new 04. 600 miles into the 04 the cylinder is blown.I had it
> with the boxer motors. Even thou I had no major motor failures, I never
> liked the way the bike would pull you up or down in the corners while
> accelerating.That plus they had no power. Next up is an 07 or 08, cant
> remember,4cylinder 1200 with alot more power. Handling is better, but cant
> tell you much more because of the numerous electrical problems that have
> resulted in it sitting at the dealership for months.
>
> In the bikes defense, I ride every bike like they are stolen. Wheelies on a
> street 1150 rt, you bet. My question is in my motoring history I have never
> had this much major trouble from one manufacturer. Am I getting all the
> lemons? I do want to give the bmw 650 dualsport a try but if history repeats
> itself I am done with them the next problem I have.
>
> If you need me I will be on the klr or dr 650. The ones that I have no idea
> what the cylinder or tranmission looks like, bc I have never seen them. How
> can I get 20000 plus trouble free dualsport miles on klrs, drs, and xrs and
> I have been into 4 transmission, 2 motors, and numerous other problems on
> the bmws?
>
>
>
--
James Morrow Sr
Union, MO
'08' R1200GSA
'00' RT + dual plug + Bunkhouse
'00' BUSA + 15hp
'05' KLR650 + big fun factor
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